As the Christmas season approaches, we sometimes become overwhelmed with to-do lists, shopping, and pre-holiday gatherings. These pressures can make it challenging to get into the Christmas spirit. Here are a few ideas to help bring some extra holiday cheer into your home.
The recipe for having fun while decorating for Christmas is simple. Begin by adding a large amount of Christmas music playing throughout the house. Next add a cup of hot chocolate or eggnog for sipping, and mix in a dose of comfy clothes. Your last ingredient is the most difficult to blend. Finally, let go of the things that are stressful, just for the day, and simply enjoying the moment.
Set the Mood
You and your family can’t deck the halls in a quiet house! Grab your favorite Christmas albums and play them throughout the house to create a festive mood to decorate to. Let each member of the family choose an album to play as you decorate throughout the day.
Add Homemade Touches
In addition to the boxed decorations that you use each holiday, try adding some homemade touches to this year’s festivities. You can create a winter wonderland by making all different sizes and patterns of paper snowflakes.
Instead of buying gift wrap supplies at the store, try wrapping your gifts in solid brown paper and then have your children decorate the packages. It allows them to be creative and the recipient will really appreciate the extra personal touch.
Have you ever made ornaments by hand? Craft stores offer several patterns to choose from, or you can go online and search homemade ornaments for thousands of ideas. Also, don’t overlook adding some holiday spirit to the outdoors as well. Your neighbors will enjoy seeing the holiday decorations each time they pass by your home.
Deck the Children’s Rooms
The Christmas season is magical for children. In addition to celebrating the birth of Jesus, children are mesmerized by the beautiful décor. Why not bring some Christmas fun into their rooms? One idea is to have a small table top tree that they can decorate and enjoy in their bedroom.
Or, you can help them create a holiday wreath to hang on their bedroom door. The battery-operated 10-light strands are the perfect size for this project, and you can decorate the wreath with items from your local craft store. The kids will love turning the lights on when evening arrives, and it lights up the hallway with festive lighting.
Sweet Treats to Fuel the Interior Designers
Decorating wouldn’t be complete without homemade snacks and sweets to nosh on while decking the halls. Many have traditional items that they bake every year during the holidays. Some of these yummy treats include Christmas cookies, fudge, pastries and pies. It’s fun to make festive foods throughout the holiday season.
If you’re looking for new recipes to try, go to FoodNetwork.com where they have the “12 Days of Cookies” section. These recipes are delicious, and you just might find one that becomes a new annual cookie tradition. If you prefer cake instead of cookies, make a birthday cake for Jesus. Have the kids help decorate it and then read aloud the Bible verses about the birth of Jesus.
Relax with Christmas Classics
Once you’ve completed your festive and fun decorating, why not spend the evening relaxing on the couch, enjoying your decorations, and watching some holiday classics? If you’re looking for a traditional movie, White Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street are all films that remind us of simpler times. Or, if you are in need of some laughter, watch A Christmas Story, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation or Elf. For younger children, and the young at heart, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer and A Charlie Brown Christmas are sure to make everyone smile.
Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men.” —Luke 2:13-14
The holidays are an amazing time of year. Take time to enjoy the spirit of the season, and rejoice in the true meaning of Christmas.